In a life that spanned nearly a century, Irene Mitchell used her loving spirit to serve others, embrace her community and build family memories. Her legacy of love and service now live in others.
Irene died on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2012 in Billings with her daughter at her side.
Born on June 30, 1917, in McPherson County, S.D., to George Neil and Theresa Heinrich, Irene was a child of the northern plains and salt of the earth, an attribute that would carry her through her life. She was baptized in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Forbes, N.D., attended grade school in Elm Township and graduated high school in Forbes.
She did hotel and waitress work for a number of years before marrying C.C. Mitchell on April 23, 1953. The couple had two children, Michael and Terry, and found their way to Forsyth, Mont., in 1969.
Irene was a longtime member of the Forsyth Garden Club, was a charter member of the VFW Auxiliary and was active in church activities through the Concordia Lutheran Church, especially the L.W.M.L and Guild.
While she loved working her garden, growing flowers and spending time with family and friends, Irene will also be remembered for the lives she touched working for Forsyth schools.
Working in the lunchroom for 25 years, Irene helped nurture generations of Forsyth children who went through the school system. She enjoyed taking in school activities - especially basketball games - and had a special love of Halloween, when she would welcome scores of enthusiastic trick-or-treaters to her house. While she loved all holidays, Halloween held a special place in her heart.
She also loved having gatherings of friends and family, where she could keep everyone happy with baked goods and good conversation.
Grateful to have shared her life are daughter, Terry (Duane) VanAtta of Billings; seven grandchildren: Cameron (Shannon) of Great Falls; Chantee Berish of Reno, NV.; Meccala (Kory) Draper of Wasilla, Alaska; Melita, (Eldrid) Mitchell of Miles City; Mindy (Rebel) of Vida; Jesse (Lindsey) Mitchell of Circle and Michael VanAtta of Billings; 12 great-grandchildren; sister-in-laws and her nieces and nephews . She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, her son, and five brothers (Gottlieb, Herbert, Ted, Marvin and Ellis) and 3 sisters (Viola, Erna, and Ella).
She will be greatly missed by her family and the loving staff at St. John´s Langemo Cottage, where she resided for the last five years.
Funeral services will be Thursday, Feb. 9, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Forsyth at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the Concordia Lutheran Church in Forsyth, St. John´s Lutheran Ministries in Billings, or the Alzheimer´s Association.
Throughout her life and in her many travels, Irene used to note that "it´s nice to go, but so nice to come home."
Mom, now you´re home.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 9:00am to 5:00pm in the Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 11:00am at the Concordia Lutheran Church in Forsyth. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth has been entrusted with these arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Cathy Byron says
Irene worked many years in the Forsyth school lunchroom. She is remembered by many. We had many a good chat over the years. She will be missed.
Tandra says
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Irene Nelson says
I met Irene in 1983 when I first started attending LWML events. I had recently moved to Colstrip and we both felt a connection since we shared the same name. I always looked forward to LWML event so we could visit. She was a true angel on earth. Irene was helpful in all causes, shared God’s love through her words and actions and always had a hug for me. I will always cherish my memories of her and the mentoring she gave to me.
Joby Parker says
Irene was such a special person and will be missed greatly. She always had a smile for everyone and was full of enthusiasm. What a beautiful person Irene was.
God’s blessings and prayers to all of the family.
Bill and Joby Parker
MaryBeth Boward says
I remember in high school going over to visit with Irene, and making trips with her to Terry to pick up or drop of grandkids. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Peggy Redman says
Dear Terry and Family,
Earl joins me in expressing heartfelt condolences to you in the passing of your beloved Mother and Grandmother. She was a favorite ofk students and staff members at Forsyth Public Schools for many years. May God comfort you as only He can.
Peggy R. & Earl M.
Carolyn Schenk says
Dear Irene you were such a nice lady to everyone you meet, it’s just sad that you’re gone, you will be missed !! Alot of the kids will remember you dearly from the school lunchroom. May God comfort your family thru this diffcult time.
bobbi vannattan says
I cant help but smile when I think of Irene, she was definately the iconic lunch lady! I know that many many of us that went to school in Forsyth feel the same and will always think of her when we step into a lunch room. I want to send kind thoughts andsympathy to Irenes family.
Patti Crosby/ Senior Center says
Terry & family, sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a nice neighbor. I remember bringing her to your place in Billings, before she moved up there. She was a great lady.
Joe & Carolyn Wilson says
Terry and family,
I have great memories of Irene; the advantage of not seeing her for a while is that I remember her in her best light. Her energy and devotion to everyone else was amazing.
Sincerely,
Joe Wilson
Liz Ball-Mavity says
Terry and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. I loved Irene from the first moment she asked me why I wasn’t eating my peas…my answer “’cause they are too squishy”…and she didn’t make me eat them! She will live in our hearts always! May your memories comfort you. Liz
Anita and Gene Kurtz says
Dear Terry & Family, Irene was a very special lady and friend. I missed her when she moved to Billings and sorry for not visiting her. She was loved by so many children and cared for them all in the lunchroom. I always enjoyed visiting with her at school and later when she retired. I especially enjoyed taking her to high school plays and concerts. We have many good memories as you surely do. May those memories help to heal your lose in the days to come. You are a tribute to her life and love. She was so proud of her grandchildren and always had pictures and stories to share. We were sorry we were gone when Irene passed away. We would have been at her funeral to help celerbrate her life.
Love, Gene and Anita Kurtz